Day 2 After lunch we will take a private bus to Penitentes at 2580m. This journey takes approximately three hours. This is a ski resort in winter, and there should be time for a warm-up walk on the grassy slopes.
Day 3 After loading equipment onto mules, our vehicle will take us 15 minutes along the Horcones jeep road to the trail-head at 2950m. We then trek three hours up the Horcones Valley to the green campsite at Confluencia (3390m). This will be our base for three nights.
Day 4 From Confluencia we will enjoy a trek to the Plaza Francia lookout at 4000m. This elevation provides dramatic views of the South Face of Aconcagua.
Day 5 This is a rest day which will prove to be of huge value in our acclimatisation program.
Day 6 From Confluencia we will follow the broad, stone covered valley bottom to a steep trail that leads to a terminal moraine. The base campsite at Plaza de Mulas (4350m) is situated on top of the lateral moraine just off the Horcones glacier, beneath the vast west face of Aconcagua. Base Camp is relatively comfortable with a huge mess tent and a full staff of cooks and porters. We provide good mountain cuisine that includes vegetarian meals, local steak, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Day 7 Acclimatisation day at Base Camp as most people feel the altitude at this point. Here we will rest and enjoy the stunning views and base camp culture.
Day 8 Load carrying from Base Camp to Plaza Canada (4950m). Return to Base Camp to sleep. Our first load will consist of mountain food weighing 4-7kg, and we can also carry some of our high mountain gear. Total pack load will be 12-15kg per person. We will store our load in kit bags, and secure them by rocks.
Day 9 Before returning to Plaza Canada, we will take another rest day at Base Camp. This dramatically improves acclimatisation and the chances of a successful summit. We may enjoy a hot shower at camp or walk 20 minutes across the valley to the Base Camp Hotel.
Day 10 We return to Plaza Canada to sleep. All extra gear is stored at Base Camp and we now carry all our high mountain equipment to the higher camp. We will not return to Base Camp unless forced to by bad weather. Local guides who serve as seasonal porters will carry our tents. We should expect to carry about 15-20kg today.
Day 11 Carry load to Nido de Condores (5500m), and then return to Canada to sleep. We will take about 4kg of food and some personal gear to Nido de Condores. This trip is optional, as you might want to rest and acclimatise in camp.
Day 12 We now move up to Nido de Condores carrying the rest of our gear. Porters will come up to Plaza Canada from Base Camp to carry our tents to Nido de Condores. We will carry about 15-20kg today, make our camp and look forward to a rest day.
Day 13 Day at Nido de Condore. This will provide us with more rest, and time to acclimatise. At this point we will focus on sleeping, hydration and eating well. On a clear day the views from Nido are unforgettable. Weather permitting we will enjoy a gentle walk with dramatic ridge views close to the camp. However, winds and cold weather may confine us to our tents for most of the day. It is useful to pack a book and cards.
Day 14 Today we move approximately three hours to camp above Berlin at White Rocks, 5980m. We will carry three days of food, fuel and personal equipment. Porters will carry our tents and our load could weigh over 20kg.
Day 15 The summit day is 11-13 hours. Normally beginning with a wake-up at first light, departing between 6 and 8 am depending on the wind, and ending early evening. The summit day involves nothing more than mountain walking, albeit at high altitude. In good conditions the ruins at Independencia, 6400m, are reached in 3 hours, and the base of the Canaleta at 6700m is another 2.5 hours away. The Canaleta gully to the final summit ridge takes 2.5-3 hours, and may involve a little scrambling if there is no snow cover. On reaching the final ridge there are outstanding views down the South Face. A metal cross and summit register mark the top. The views from the summit on a clear day are superb, and can stretch as far as the Pacific Ocean. The return to camp takes about 3 hours.
Day 16 We descend with all our equipment back down to Base Camp which takes 3-4 hours, and enjoy sleeping at lower elevations. Porters will carry the tents and our load could weigh 15-20kg.
Day 17 Spare day. An additional summit day is included to accommodate any itinerary and weather changes.
Day 18 We walk out from Base Camp to the trailhead at Horcones Valley. This long walk takes about 7-8 hours. Time permitting we should return to Mendoza in the evening in time for a hot shower and a late dinner.
Day 19 A free day in Mendoza. There are opportunities to go white-water rafting, tandem paragliding or to visit some of the vineyards nearby and taste some of the best wines in South America. (This day may be needed in the mountain if our summit day has been delayed by bad weather).
